Changing prescribing behaviour: early low dose aspirin in suspected acute myocardial infarction

Introduction: Evidence obtained from large clinical trials would be of limi ted value, if such evidence does not reach the provider of care, and even w hen it reaches them, if they do not change their clinical behaviour accordi ngly. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of intervention, aimed at changing prescribing behaviour of general practitioners (GPs) wit h regard to early low dose aspirin in patients with suspected acute myocard ial infarction (MI). Methods: A total of 96 GPs were sent a questionnaire a ssessing their knowledge and practices with regard to use of low dose aspir in in acute MI in November 1995 (Q1), June 1996 (Q2) and September 1996 (Q3 ). An 'intervention' was carried out with a view to changing GP prescribing of low dose aspirin is suspected acute MI after the first two questionnair es were sent. Results: The results of this study seem to show that an inten sive 'intervention' achieved success in changing prescribing behaviour of G Ps. Although the intervention resulted in a overall significant increase in the prescription of low dose aspirin in suspected acute MI, it was seen th at in the GPs who were aged <40 years the success achieved with the 'interv ention' was greater when compared with that seen in those older than 40 yea rs. Conclusion: Dissemination of information on new practices in medicine a re important in the process of continuing medical education for doctors. A 'personal intervention' such as is described in this study seems to have go od effect. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.